What is a Registered Veterinary Technician?
* Graduated from an accredited program in Veterinary Technology.
* Passed the VTNE (veterinary technology national exam).
* Licensed by the state.
* Maintains their license with continuing education.
Heather Jenner, RVT
Heather graduated from the NAU Veterinary Technician program in 2001 and went to work right away for Dr. Teets at All Cats-n-Dogs Hospital. She worked there for about 7 years until she had her second child and made the decision to stay at home with her kids for the next 9 years. In 2017, Dr. Teets asked if she was ready to come back to work part time. It’s been a great opportunity to use her skills as an RVT and also be home for her kids when they’re home.
In addition to her husband and 2 sons, Heather has 2 Spinoni (Norton and Riker), 2 barn cats (Cheater and Fireball), and 8 chickens. Heather stays busy with her kids’ various activities. She also trains and shows her dogs in obedience and conformation and teaches puppy kindergarten classes at Happy Tails Dog Training Center. A few years ago, Heather completed additional training in canine massage and started her massage business, Paws for Massage.
Carrie Brady, RVT
Hi, I’m Carrie and I am native from the big city of Las Vegas! My husband and I moved here about 7 years ago after being stationed here with the Air Force. Our epic journey has now permanently stationed us here as we have decided to settle down and build a life here in Rapid City. I come from a family of 3 brothers and 2 sisters.
Since I was young, about 3-4 years old, I knew I wanted to work with animals. I had a deep passion for helping those without a voice. I’ve made it my life’s mission to care and advocate for animals and become their voice of reason. Through the years I have enjoyed working with all kinds of companion animals- dogs, cats, and pocket pets.
I graduated from National American University with my Associate Degree in Applied Science of Veterinary Technology in June of 2017. Following my internship, I studied vigorously for my VTNE here at the clinic. Dr. Teets was kind enough to let me use the clinic as a safe place to study for my test.
My biggest dream is to work for a wildlife zoo and study how they are in captivity and outside captivity. I have this crazy, yet amazing thought to teach gorilla’s how to hug. You guessed it, all forms of monkeys are my favorite animal.
When I’m not working, I am mainly found at home spending time with my husband Jehrry and all of our critters. I have 6 fur children, my oldest is my German Shepherd, Akuma, he’s a fluffy, tough guy, but he’s truly the biggest baby. I have Artemis, my 3-legged Mastiff/Boxer mix, she’s super sweet and although she’s missing a leg, it doesn’t slow her down. I also have a cat Atlas, he’s such a goober, you can find him playing dead or in hiding when we have guests. Lastly, we have 2 guinea pigs, Hei Hei he’s a social pig and total mama’s boy, and Kovu he’s pretty laid back. We have become quite the Brady Bunch if I may say so.
Majority of the time you can either find me at home with my family, on my computer writing my Fan-fiction stories, or spending time with my friends I have made while living here in South Dakota.
Jill Edson, RVT
Jill was born and raised in Michigan and has always had a love for animals. She attended Baker College in Flint, Michigan, graduating in 2004 with an Associates of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology.
After passing the State of Michigan and the Veterinary Technician National Exam in 2004 to obtain her Veterinary Technician License, Jill was employed at Riverside Animal Hospital in Flushing, Michigan. In 2011, she moved to Williston, North Dakota with her husband. There she worked part time for Western Veterinary Clinic until 2019 when she moved to Sturgis, South Dakota and obtained a part time job with TLC Pet Hospital. She also has a full-time job in Sturgis.
In her free time, Jill enjoys weightlifting and spending time with her husband, Tim, and two English Bulldogs, Butterbean and Pickles.
Amand Froelich, RVT, Register Vet Technician
My name is Amanda and I graduated from the Veterinary technician program at NAU in 2012. I did my internship with Dr. Teets at Banfield Pet Hospital and worked for her there for awhile. My life ended up taking me on a different path and I left the veterinary medicine world for about 7 years while I raised my 3 kids. I missed working with animals in those years and often thought about coming back. I’ve now come to a place in my life where I can finally pursue my dreams as a veterinary technician! I live with my very supporting fiance and 3 energetic children.
Together we’ve accumulated a nice collection of furry friends including 2 chihuahuas (Chelsea and Django), 4 cats (Richard Parker, Ruby Soho, Jack, and Peach), a hamster (Cakey), and most recently a bearded dragon (Spyro)! When I’m not chasing after my kids and taking them to activities, I try to find time to paint. I especially enjoy painting watercolor portraits of pets! I am so happy to be working in a field that I love and am excited to come to work every day!